First things first...just to put your minds at rest after this result I shall be allowing my wife to attend the next game.
The overall impression of this game, a TEAM performance of the highest order, marked by high levels of commitment and graft. A resolute defence, a midfield that worked very hard to close down the opposition and some tireless front running. All the attributes we're looking for. A deserved victory which left the home fans frustrated to the extent that many starred to leave 20 minutes from time to the refrain of 'cheerio, cheerio, cheerio' from the Town faithful. Great to hear.
The first 15 minutes or so suggested that we might be in for a struggle as Vale came at us eager to atone for their last home performance, a heavy loss against Morecambe. However we rode that and took the lead with a well-worked goal, good work by Gabilondo to create the opportunity for Magera but there was a lot to do to take it. His clinical first time strike was a joy to watch. Gabilondo had a good game, he has pace and the ability to take on and beat defenders if he gets the service and space. Ferry, Smith and Ritchie were very effective in closing down their midfield and neat on the ball when we won it. Vale were reduced to a lot of square passing. The only disappointment of the half was Jervis who was totally ineffective. In contrast Magera ran willingly and put himself about well. Defensively we were very sound, Foderingham spreads confidence throughout the defence, good handling and a couple of sharp saves on the couple of occasions when Vale threatened. Please can we keep him for the season!
Flint and McCormack dominated in the air and the back four looked solid. Good attacking runs from Caddis and a solid performance from Ridehalgh.
Even my wife worked out that Jervis wouldn't appear for the second half. Absolutely correct management decision to bring on Kerrouche who immediately looked a threat. The foul on Magera was a godsend, a clear penalty from where I was sitting but the sort that you don't always get away from home...credit to the ref for his decision. Cracking penalty by Kerrouche and you could see the Vale heads drop going 0-2 down just as they were hoping to find a way back.
We weren't in a lot of trouble after that, due to a lot of hard graft in midfield and some decisive defending. In the past this was a game in which we could have lost our way, at Shrewsbury we had a 1-0 interval lead and didn't show for the second half. This was totally different.
It's hard to pick out a man of the match...Ferry was very involved and very creative. Smith worked hard at getting his foot in first, Ritchie ran tirelessly, Magera made a nuisance of himself and Caddis maintained his normal high standard. However my vote would go to Flint, totally commanding throughout - this lad has a real future. The only negatives were a poor first half by Jervis and a rather uncertain performance by Risser when he came on for Smith. In contrast Connell looked full of enthusiasm and threat when he came on.
Providing we continue to perform like this we will continue to improve, we've come on leaps and bounds in the last few weeks.
Last word...some tactical observations from the wife...the first half she likened to volleyball ( the ball was in the air quite a lot) in the second half the players kicked the ball to each other and were going in the right direction. She reckoned that the manager had given the players this bit of wisdom at half time. She's getting the idea quite well but still struggles with the concept of offside.
Port Vale 0 - 2 Swindon Town
posted on 7/11/11
Thanks for the rating guys. I enjoyed writing the report, it's much better when you've got good things to say. I can't overemphasise the difference Foderingham has made. His save from a direct free kick in the second half was critical. Low and hard and bounced right in front of him, a lesser keeper would probably have spilled it and that would have been 1-2 and we would have been facing a fired-up team for the last 15 minutes. It's instances like this where games are won and lost.
I strongly feel that we need to persevere with our own strikers and not the loanees. With more game time Magera could become a great asset, you can see he's got quality. Then you have Kerrouche who has a good strike record and Connell who I feel needs more opportunity. Defence and midfield look settled now (but let's hope Risser doesn't re-emerge, he looked very out of touch to me). In contrast Ferry and Smith were very sharp. I don't think I said much about McCormack in my report...he had a good game and he and Flint look a good partnership.
I hope there isn't too much tinkering tomorrow, we need to keep a settled side whatever the competition in my view.
Things are looking up!
posted on 7/11/11
Been thinking about that last comment.
For the JPT I would leave Ridehalgh out, no matter how good he has been.
He can't play v Hudds., so would give someone else a game to get used to playing with the rest of the defence, ready for the cup game.
Nor Jervis, for the same reason.
posted on 7/11/11
Great report Don, enjoy reading that alot. Agree about Foderingham whenever I've seen him he makes everyone so confident, No coincidence that the return of Flint, Foderingham and a hidden gem in McCormack has suddenly made our defence alot less frail.
Gollum, agree about Ridehalgh, he's been very good but I wouldn't mind seeing more of Cibbochi whenever I've seen him he seems very assured. Think Connell and Magera should start as that could be an effective partnership given time.
Some nice form and suddenly this season seems better.
posted on 7/11/11
I certainly wouldn't want Jervis to start tomorrow. I also agree about about Ridehalgh who's not available Saturday - good opportunity to give Cibbochi some game time. I'd also like to see Connell start with Magera, they seem complementary players to me which is always what you need up front.
posted on 7/11/11
I was thinking about the same thing today regarding who Paolo plays at left back and up front. I too would leave out Ridehalgh and Jervis although we do have a realistic chance of getting to Wembley in the JPT so wouldn't be supprised or disappointed if they both started tomorrow night. Would like to see how Connell and Magera play together and hopefully whichever way Paolo plays it we will be one step closer to a final.
posted on 8/11/11
Question - what do these 4 players have in common (apart from playing for STFC)?
Aden Flint
Wes Foderingham
Rafa DeVita
Liam Ridehalgh
Answer later!
posted on 9/11/11
When all those players play in the same team we don't concede.
posted on 9/11/11
They all go shopping at TK max ? Have often seen plenty of town players in there on a Sunday, Timlin even took time out to have a coffee with us.
Haven't got a clue to the question though. I'll await the answer.
posted on 9/11/11
Good tries guys. you're probably both right, but the answer I was looking for is that they've all been in the League 2 Team of the Week at some point in the last four weeks. I don't know why the Adver don't report this, it's a good sign of an improving side.
posted on 9/11/11
Great report Don, I have always considered Vale to be a bit of a bogey team and was slightly nervous about the match on Saturday. I seem to remember they were the team that stopped our run of consecutive home wins in the 85-86 season.
Looking forward to Saturday, it should be a great test for the team and it would be good to get a positive result to keep the unbeaten run going.
COYR